When an NFL team hires a director of communications, the move normally receives a paragraph or two — tops — in the next day's newspaper.The move normally isn't picked up by NFL media around the country and celebrated on social media.When it comes to the Browns, though, things don't usually happen as you would expect.Monday night, the team announced the hiring of Zak Gilbert as director of communications.The move was heralded because of the respect Gilbert has earned, and the unceremonious manner in which he was dumped by the Oakland Raiders on June 1.Gilbert was hired as the Raiders' director of media relations in March 2012.He was credited by many in the media for the work he did in his lone season with Oakland, including the team mending fences with former coach Jon Gruden and running back Marcus Allen. Both had poor relationships with late Raiders owner Al Davis.In April, Sports Illustrated published a lengthy story on the Silver and Black that was complimentary of general manager Reggie McKenzie, who was hired by Oakland in 2012 and was a very well-respected director of player personnel for the Packers prior to that.The SI piece didn't paint a pretty picture of Al Davis, nor his son, Mark, who is running the franchise in his father's place.According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Gilbert was fired because Mark Davis was upset about the article. Gilbert wasn't welcome at the facility after the article was published, and the team had other workers coordinating media interviews during the busy spring period that includes the NFL draft.A few weeks ago, Gilbert was finally told his fate, and it didn't take him long to find work.He replaces Neal Gulkis, who was hired by Eric Mangini in 2009 and was the Browns' director of communications during the Mike Holmgren regime, but represents one of many changes in Berea since Joe Banner and company have taken charge.Prior to his brief tenure with the Raiders, Gilbert was the director of athletic media relations at Colorado State from 2007-12. From 2001 to '07, he was an assistant director of public relations for the Packers, where he developed a relationship with McKenzie.When his time with the Raiders ended, Gilbert took the high road, releasing the following statement:“I'd like to thank Mark Davis for the honor of serving the Raiders, and Reggie McKenzie for hiring me. I leave holding my chin up, knowing I dedicated every waking hour to promoting a positive image for our team. The co-workers in my Raiders family are extraordinary; the camaraderie we built was really special. Talking to Raiders fans on a weekly basis, I learned first-hand that their passion and loyalty is unmatched. I have great respect for the team's rich history and took seriously the role of preserving it. Although disappointed that I can't remain on the ride, I wish Reggie and Dennis Allen absolutely nothing but success in a bright future.”He has landed on his feet, and Gulkis will, too.A monster draw for The Q
The Lake Erie Monsters are doing their part to pump up Northeast Ohio's economy.The American Hockey League team is hosting the annual AHL sales and marketing meetings Tuesday through Thursday at Quicken Loans Arena.The Monsters say more than 200 people from most of the AHL's 30 teams, along with league personnel, are in town for the meetings.The organization says all out-of-towners are staying at the Hyatt Regency Cleveland at the Arcade, and there will be events at the Hard Rock Café, Corner Alley and Barley House.Cavaliers president Len Komoroski will be the keynote speaker at the meetings, and Indians senior director of communications Curtis Danburg is among the other guest speakers. Other guest speakers include Bernie Mullen, chairman and CEO of The Aspire Group; and Evan Horomanski, digital solutions specialist, and Chad Luckie, senior online marketing strategist, both of Fathom in Cleveland.There will be a party there, too
Another gathering at The Q is sure to generate even more interest.Thursday night, the Cavs will host a free draft party at their arena. The festivities begin at 6 p.m., and there will be a drawing for a trip for two to Las Vegas — sponsored, of course, by Dan Gilbert's Horseshoe Casino Cleveland.Tickets are available at The Q's box office and on the Cavs' website.What fans won't be able to do is convince Portland to trade 2012 and 2013 All-Star selection LaMarcus Aldridge for the Nos. 1 and 19 picks in Thursday's draft.ESPN reported the above was the Cavs' offer to the Trail Blazers for the 27-year-old Aldridge, who averaged 20.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game last season.If true, you have to admire Chris Grant's nerves.The Cavs' general manager had to know that trade was going to get rejected, but it is encouraging he is shopping the top pick in what is regarded as a weak draft for a proven All-Star.It's too bad David Kahn is no longer running the Timberwolves.The former GM, who once refused to give a five-year extension to Kevin Love (the two-time All-Star, who's only 24, can now become a free agent after the 2014-15 season), certainly would have traded Love for the Cavs' top two draft picks.Apparently, all good ideas were off limits
SportsTime Ohio made the right call Monday by suspending production of “Chuck's Last Call” following the Friday morning arrest of host Chuck Galeti.What's unfortunate is the title of show — much like “All Bets Are Off” with Bruce Drennan — ever existed in the first place.Drinking and driving is never funny — especially when you consider Galeti in 2004 was convicted of driving under the influence for the third time. Galeti spent 15 days in jail and another 55 under house arrest for that incident, which included the talented TV and radio personality leaving the scene after knocking down a mailbox and hitting a telephone pole.Drennan, meanwhile, served five months in prison between 2006 and '07 for not paying taxes on gambling earnings.“All Bets Are Off.”“Chuck's Last Call.”Going to prison and/or drinking and driving should never be a subject that sparks an idea for a name of a show.After the alleged incident involving Galeti last week, such inspiration seems even more inappropriate.You can follow me on Twitter for sports information, analysis and more fantasy scenarios in which the Cavs acquire LaMarcus Aldridge or Kevin Love.

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